The Gospel above all: we celebrate our diversity and find unity in the centrality of the gospel, the good news which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). This is the most worthy center for the church.
Common worship
Presence: God is uniquely present in the gathered worship of the church (Ephesians 2:19-22; 1 Peter 2:5).
Liturgy: gathered worship is not only expression and information, but formation. We are story-formed people and historic worship practices have proven effective to shape the people of God around the story of God (Colossians 3:16).
Sabbath: in our increasingly busy lives, we long to recover the heart of Sabbath—resting from our work and resting in the work of Jesus on our behalf in community with the church (Genesis 2:1-3; Mark 2:27-28; Hebrews 4:9-10).
COMMON LIFE
Hospitality: the church should be a place of welcome where one can belong before he/she believes, and a safe place to explore the Christian faith (Romans 15:7; 1 Peter 4:9; 1 Corinthians 14:24-25).
Feasting: Even in the midst of sorrow, the Bible pictures the world to come as a feast. In anticipation of that time, we throw parties and regularly eat and drink and celebrate together with joy (Isaiah 25:6-9; Luke 15:11-32; Revelation 19:6-9).
Neighborhood: place is important and neighborhood-based community groups allow us to be good neighbors that love and serve those where God has placed us (Matthew 22:34-40).
common Good
Incarnation: following Christ, we seek to be in the world, not of the world, but for the life of the world (Hebrews 2:14-18; John 17:14-19).
Mission: our calling is to join God in his mission in the world. We are blessed to be a blessing to others, and our mission begins locally in Madison (Genesis 12:1-3; Psalm 67).
Vocation: the primary avenue through which we bless others is our vocations, the holy callings that unleash our unique gifts for the good of others (1 Peter 4:10; Colossians 3:23-24).
